The key facts
- The Euronews Travel author visited two resorts of the Colours of Oblu collection in October — Helengeli and Sangeli — traveling between them by speedboat.
- The Euronews Travel author visited two resorts of the Colours of Oblu collection in October — Helengeli and Sangeli, traveling between them by speedboat.
- On the reefs near the islands she saw sea turtles, eagle rays, rays and spinner dolphins; in gastronomy — mas huni, tuna dishes and Indian desserts.
- To enter the Maldives, the IMUGA form must be filled in at least 96 hours before arrival; the visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days.
- To enter the Maldives, the IMUGA form must be filled in at least 96 hours before arrival; the visa on arrival allows up to 30 days.
A week on two islands: Helengeli and Sangeli
In October, Euronews Travel journalist Fakhriya M. Suleiman traveled to the Maldives to see the archipelago beyond the 'postcard' image of villas over turquoise water. The week-long trip began with a short stop in the capital, Malé, from where she took a speedboat to the first resort — OBLU Nature Helengeli by SENTIDO on the compact island of Helengeli. There she stayed in a lagoon villa with a private pool and an open-air bathroom that connected the interior with the tropical surroundings while preserving privacy.
An overwater villa and a traditional welcome
After three nights on Helengeli, the author was transferred by boat to Sangeli island, home to the OBLU Select Sangeli resort. Guests there are welcomed according to the Maldivian 'maruhaba' tradition: an origami necklace made of coconut leaves is placed around their necks to the sounds of the bodu beru drum procession. The overwater villa was equipped with a private infinity pool with direct access to the lagoon, and its distinctive feature was a glass panel in the floor through which passing sea creatures could be seen.
Snorkeling and dolphins at sunset
Having never snorkeled before, the author put on a mask, fins and a life jacket for the first time and headed to the house reefs, which can be reached from both islands on foot or by swimming within a few minutes. Among what she saw were sea turtles, eagle rays, stingrays and many reef fish, including porcupinefish. The marine encounters were not limited to daytime: at sunset, a cruise aboard a traditional wooden dhoni took place across the atoll's waters, where the author watched a pod of spinner dolphins, some of which leapt out of the water and spun in the air.
Gastronomy: mas huni, tuna and South Asian influences
The author named food — with its wide choice of buffets and à la carte restaurants — as the second main impression of the week. She tried the popular Maldivian breakfast mas huni — 'fish and coconut': pieces of tuna with finely grated coconut, lime, onion and chili flakes, served with farata or roshi flatbreads. Tuna lovers were also offered tuna dumplings as well as smoked and spicy versions. The archipelago's cuisine has been noticeably influenced by Indian and Sri Lankan traditions: her favorite dessert became the gulab jamun cheesecake from the Raga Route restaurant. The week ended with a gala dinner at the Courtyard restaurant on Sangeli in the format of the Maldivian 'malaafai' — a feast of friends and family — with open culinary stations (samosa, papdi, aloo tikki chaat, panipuri), biryani and a cart of Indian faloodas.
ELE|NA Ayur spa programs
The leisure program included two spa treatments at the ELE|NA Ayur centers. On Helengeli, the author chose the Relax and Unwind program with a focus on the back and a mini foot massage, carried out in an open-air area to the sounds of birds and the splashing of koi carp. On Sangeli, the treatment targeted the skin: detoxification, normalization of sebum production and an 'island' glow. Before leaving, she was served a shot of turmeric, honey and brown sugar and a cold towel with lemongrass oil, followed by a vitamin C cleanser, cucumber toner and a citrus yogurt scrub.
Practical details of the trip
According to Euronews, all foreign travelers, including EU citizens, are required to fill in the free digital IMUGA form no later than 96 hours before arrival; after approval, a visa on arrival valid for up to 30 days is issued. Guests of both resorts must also complete online registration in the apps before arrival. From Velana International Airport, resort representatives direct guests either to the speedboat pier or to the dedicated seaplane terminal, from which 11 seaplanes operate flights to four islands. It is noted that the author was a guest of resorts belonging to the Colours of Oblu collection of the Atmosphere Core portfolio — this should be taken into account when assessing the report.
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